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Being Touristy at Home: Los Angeles

When you live in sunny California, you are never without fun things to do! From Disneyland to spending your weekend at the beach, California really has it all. Whether you're a California native or you just moved to the area (like me!) you should definitely take advantage of all the fun touristy attractions around you. In my recent move to Los Angeles into Camden's gorgeous community, The Camden, that is located in the center of Hollywood I compiled a list of the top 5 touristy things you can do while living here!

1. Griffith Observatory

photo courtesy of unsplash.com

You might recognize this beautiful science museum from Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone's dance routine in La La Land, but this historic 80 year old building is host to space and science-related displays as well as many different telescopes. Located on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory has amazing views of the Hollywood Sign, Downtown Los Angeles, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Admission is free in accordance with the will of Griffith J. Griffith, the benefactor after whom the observatory is named.

2. The Hollywood Sign

This iconic sign was originally created in 1923 and was supposed to only be up for a year and a half - but here we are almost 100 years later! While you can see it from a distance driving up to your home at The Camden, getting an up-close view of the sign is ever changing due to homeowners near the sign. For a beautiful view, bike or drive the Lake Hollywood Park and to get as close as possible you can take a horseback ride thanks to tours from Sunset Ranch. Either way - have you even been to California if you haven't seen the Hollywood sign?

3. Huntington Library, Art Galerie, and Botanical Gardens

photos courtesy of Britney Harner

The Huntington Library, Art Galerie, & Botanical Gardens (also known as The Huntington) is not something you can visit all in one day. The property encompasses approximately 120 acres of specialized botanical landscaped gardens featuring16 themed garden areas, most notably the "Japanese Garden", the "Desert Garden" and the "Chinese Garden", an expansive and impressive library upon its entrance, as well as a notable art gallery. Thanks to a more than $400 million endowment, the Huntingdone is among the wealthiest cultural institutions in the US and hosts 600,000 visitors a year! Tickets for the day are $25 for adults or $159 for a year membership. The beauty of the gardens, as well as the history in the art galleries and library, make the Huntington Library truly one of a kind and a must see while in Los Angeles!

4. Hollywood Walk of Fame

photo courtesy of Colette LaPorte

When you live at The Camden the Hollywood Walk of Fame is literally in your front yard! The Walk is comprised of over 2,600 famous 5 pointed terrazzo and brass stars along the sidewalks of 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and 3 blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood. To be inducted into The Walk of Fame is an extreme honor to Hollywood's actors as it is a monument of achievement in the entertainment industry. It bears the names of musicians, actors, directors, producers, musical groups, as well as fictional characters. Take a walk down this 1.3 mile track to spot and pose with your favorite celebrity's star!

5. TCL Chinese Theatre

While you can still catch a movie at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre it might now be most known for the hand and foot imprints of over 200 Hollywood stars located in its courtyard. The courtyard is almost always filled with Instagram photos in the making: tourists comparing their hand and feet next to the likes of Michael Jackson or Clint Eastwood, just to name a few! If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds head inside to catch the latest flick on their IMAX screens. The auditorium will make you feel like you are in another world with the gorgeous interior design and decor.

Now that you know the best ways to be "touristy at home" here in sunny Los Angeles, check out how to do so in Austin and San Diego. These attractions are perfect for vacation destinations as well!